Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Affekt / Español: Afecto / Português: Afecto / Français: Affect / Italiano: Affetto /

Affect refers to the pattern of observable behaviours that are associated with emotional states.

People express affect through changes in their facial expressions, the pitch of their voice, and their hand and body movements.

A person's affect is their immediate emotional state which the person can recognise subjectively and which can also be recognised objectively by others. A person's mood is their predominant current affect.

Description

Affect in psychology refers to the experience of emotion or feeling, which can range from positive to negative and can vary in intensity. It is a fundamental aspect of human behavior and cognition, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. Affect can be expressed through facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, providing valuable insights into a person's emotional state. Researchers study affect to better understand mood disorders, personality traits, and decision-making processes. It plays a crucial role in shaping our relationships, motivation, and overall well-being.

Application Areas

• Clinical psychology
• Counseling
• Behavioral economics
• Human-computer interaction
• Social psychology

Treatment and Risks

• Therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy)
• Medication (e.g., antidepressants)
• Self-care practices (e.g., mindfulness meditation)
• Risks associated with untreated affective disorders may include social isolation, impaired relationships, and decreased quality of life

Examples

• A person feeling anxious before a job interview
• A child expressing excitement on their birthday
• An individual experiencing sadness after a loss
• A teenager feeling anger towards a friend who betrayed their trust

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Emotion
• Mood
• Feeling
• Emotional state

Articles with 'Affect' in the title

• Affect programme theory: Affect programme theory refers to the coordinated set of changes that constitute an emotional response, including physiological, behavioural, and subjective feelings
• Closed question delimiting affect: Closed question delimiting affect refers to a type of information gathering technique that uses questions to force the client to pick between feeling choices assumed by the clinician
• Encouragement of affect: Encouragement of affect refers to expression of painful emotions that is encouraged so that the therapist can show understanding and explore ways to remedy the situation
• Flat affect: Flat affect refers to apparently emotionless demeanor that include toneless speech and vacant gaze when a reaction would be expected. Flat affect also refers to the observable absence of or minimal presence of facial expression as if the . . .
• Inappropriate affect: Inappropriate affect refers to the extent to which a person's Emotional expressiveness fails to correspond to the content of what is being discussed. Inappropriate Affect is likewi se defined as emotional displays that are improper for the . . .
• Moral affect: Moral affect refers to the emotional component of morality, that includes feelings such as empathy, guilt, shame, and pride in ethical conduct
• Automatic affect: Automatic affect refers to a quick response of liking or disliking toward something.
• Intensity of affect: Intensity of affect refers to the strength of emotional expression.
• Range of affect: Range of affect refers to the extent and variety of an individual's emotional expression.
• Affect balance: Affect balance: Affect balance refers to the frequency of positive emotions minus the frequency of negative emotions
• Affect cultures: Affect cultures: Affect cultures are cultures such as Italy that place a premium on the display of emotions.
• Affect intensity: Affect intensity: Affect intensity refers to the strength or degree to which people typically experience their emotions.
• Affect-as-information hypothesis: Affect-as-information hypothesis refers to the idea that people judge something as good or bad by asking themselves "how do I feel about it?”
• Affect blend: Affect blend refers to a facial expression in which one part of the face is registering one emotion and another part of the face is registering a different emotion

Summary

Affect in psychology encompasses the range of emotions and feelings individuals experience, influencing behavior and cognition. Researchers study affect to gain insights into mood disorders, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. Understanding affect is crucial for mental health professionals, as it can impact overall well-being and quality of life.

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